Mind & Matter

Psilocybin & MDMA: Inflammation, Stress & Brain-Body Communication | Michael Wheeler | 230

May 20, 2025
Dr. Michael Wheeler, an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, delves into the fascinating interplay between the immune system and the brain. He discusses how the blood-brain barrier allows immune signals to influence brain function, particularly in cases of chronic stress and depression. Wheeler explores the therapeutic potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA, highlighting their role in reducing inflammation and reshaping neuroimmune interactions. The discussion unveils insights into how these substances may offer hope for treatment-resistant mood disorders.
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INSIGHT

Blood-Brain Barrier and Stress

  • The brain's blood-brain barrier is not completely impermeable to immune signals even in healthy conditions.
  • Chronic stress can weaken this barrier, increasing neuroinflammation and impacting mood-regulating brain circuits.
INSIGHT

Brain Encoding of Immune Signals

  • The brain encodes peripheral immune signals through specific neural circuits, such as the insular cortex storing gut inflammation signals.
  • Reactivating these brain circuits can recreate specific peripheral inflammatory responses.
INSIGHT

Role of Microglia in Brain Health

  • Microglia are the brain's resident immune cells that help maintain and remodel neural circuits by pruning synapses.
  • These cells also regulate brain metabolism to maintain healthy neural environments beyond pathogen defense.
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